^°^i9^^^] Fisher, Specialized Use of the Bastard Wing. 247 



furnishes a drawing from a photograph of Ottomar Anschutz, 

 showing the bastard wing extending during a down stroke. 



While in Europe last summer, at Munich, I procured a number 

 of instantaneous photographs of pigeons in flight, and also a num- 

 ber of instantaneous photographs of storks {Ckonia alba) in 

 flight. All of these were taken by Ottomar Anschutz. One of 

 these photographs of pigeons shows a bird descending. This 

 photograph appears to be a different one from that which is prof- 

 fered by Mr. Headley, but the pigeon clearly shows the bastard 

 wing raised and projecting forward. The pigeon is evidently 

 about to alight on what appears to be a box, and is checking his 

 flight either by his outstretched wings held rigidly, or the wings 

 are used to back air, as an oarsman backs water. From my 

 observations of pigeons, in alighting, I am of the opinion that the 

 bird is no doubt bringing his wings rapidly forward at the moment 

 when photographed, as he is too near the perch to deem it likely 

 that he was using the soaring position. I here submit the 

 figure. (Plate VIII, Fig. i.) 



Among the photographs of the stork which I procured, was one 

 of a stork descending to its nest. In this (Plate VIII, Fig! 2) 

 the stork's wings are extended and spread to their full capacity. 



One interesting feature of the picture is the bastard wings, each 

 of which is extended forward away from the rest of the wing and 

 spread to the full extent of its capacity. I am not positive whether 

 the wings were in motion when this photograph was taken, or 

 whether the wings were being held stationary. That the wing is 

 not being raised is evident, because the tips of the primary 

 feathers are bent backward. It is very interesting to note that in 

 at least two different orders of birds, namely : Columbs and 

 Herodiones (and Psittaci?), we find pronounced and emphatic use 

 of the bastard wing, and in the same or allied phases of flight, 

 namely : in that or those which belong to the descent, and at that 

 part of the descent when the bird is very near the place upon 

 which it is to alight. 



